KUALA LUMPUR: A powerful display of unity was evident among the crowd who have started gathering for the "Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin" rally, which is taking place at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil here.

Norita Che Ali said the event is another platform for people in the country to express their support for the Palestinians and condemn the atrocities of the Israeli regime.

"Our fighting is with the Palestinians. We need to advocate for their rights as this is the only thing we can do to assist them. 

"We are here to pray and express our commitment to helping them reclaim their homeland. 

"We are profoundly disturbed by the violence, particularly the killing of children and women. Therefore, we need to extend our support," the supervisor at the Lembah Jaya Pusat Wanita Berdaya Selangor here said.

Shahnor Misri from Shah Alam said he and his wife arrived as early as 4pm to avoid traffic heading to the venue.

"We didn't want to miss the opportunity to participate in a solidarity gathering for the Palestinian cause.

"In a way, this is also a tribute to the late Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed by the Israelis," he said.

Asia Middle East Center for Research & Dialogue (Amec) director Muhammad Imran praised the federal government for organising the event to show solidarity for the Palestinians.

Imran, who is a Palestinian himself, said his attendance at the gathering was also to show appreciation to the organiser.

"Of course, this gathering is important to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza in this tough time of genocide.

"People in Malaysia and everywhere want to show that their dissatisfaction and condemned at what's happening in Palestine," he said.

Imran, who will be a speaker for the event today called upon everyone, regardless of race or religion to stand together and voice out against the genocide act.

"Regardless of our background, Muslim, Christian, or Hindu, we have to show that we cannot normalise the scenes of massacres and genocide.

"So I think this kind of event is a good move, and I hope they (the government) will organise more."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1086632/strong-unity-display-palestine-solidarity-rally-bukit-jalil